Method and apparatus for generating power

#This invention relates generally to power generation devices, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for generating power utilizing the thermal energy provided by the temperature differential between ambient air and liquid nitrogen.

#As is known, numerous systems have been developed to meet the constantly increasing power demands of the modern world. These systems often use combustible fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal and the like. Typically, the fossils fuel is burned to generate thermal energy that, in turn, is converted to mechanical energy. While fossil fuel systems are functional for their intended purpose, these types of systems have two inherent problems. First, the burning of fossil fuels may produce environmentally unfriendly by-products. Second, the supplies of the fossil fuels used in these systems are slowly becoming depleted. Consequently, it has become necessary to develop alternative sources of energy.

#In order to overcome the inherent problems associated with the use of fossil fuels, various alternative-energy systems have been developed. For example, solar energy systems and systems utilizing wind power are presently in use. However, these systems also have certain limitations associated with their use. By way of example, these systems often require large energy-gathering structures such as windmills and solar panels in order for the systems to generate sufficient energy for products that have high power demands. Hence, given the size requirements, present use of such alternative-energy systems for such products as vehicles is impractical.

#The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

#In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a power generation apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

#Referring to FIG. 1, a power generation apparatus in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Power generation apparatus 10 includes a tank 12 having an inner surface 14 defining interior 16 thereof. It is intended that interior 16 of tank 12 be filled with liquid nitrogen (N2) for reasons hereinafter described. As such, tank 12 must be of sufficient strength to maintain its integrity when subjected to the pressures of the liquid nitrogen stored therein. In addition, tank 12 must be insulated to reduce the possibility of a heat exchange between the liquid nitrogen stored within tank 12 and the external environment.

#Tank 12 is provided with an exhaust port 18 therein. Exhaust port 18 of tank 12 communicates with check valve 20 through conduit 22. It is intended that check valve 20 open in response to a predetermined pressure within tank 12, for reasons hereinafter described. Condenser 24 extends through tank 12 and includes an input end 26 operatively connected to turbine 28, for reasons hereinafter described, and an output end 30 operatively connected to pump 32, for reasons hereinafter described. Evaporator coil 34 is positioned within interior 36 of air flow conduit 38. Evaporator coil 34 includes an input end 40 operatively connected to pump 32, for reasons hereinafter described, and an output end 42 operatively connected to turbine 28, for reasons hereinafter described. It is intended that a refrigerant having a low boiling point, such as gaseous ammonia, freon or propane, flow between and through condenser 24 and evaporator coil 34. It can appreciated that other types of refrigerant may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

#In operation, a refrigerant in a gaseous state is provided at input end 26 of condenser 24. The gaseous refrigerant passes through condenser 24 within interior 16 of tank 12 such that a heat exchange is effectuated between the liquid nitrogen within interior 16 of tank 12 and the refrigerant flowing through condenser 24. In response to such heat exchange, the refrigerant flowing through condenser 24 is cooled and condenses thereby providing a low temperature liquid refrigerant at output end 30 of condenser 24.